Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a young woman in Thunder Bay after the police allegedly failed to respond to a domestic disturbance call. The victim, identified by her family as Jenna Ostberg, a 21-year-old First Nations woman, was found dead inside a residence.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) stated on Wednesday that Thunder Bay police received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance at a residence on Ray Boulevard around 2 a.m. on December 30, 2023. However, officers did not respond to the scene. The SIU revealed that a second 911 call was made to “cancel” the initial call for service, leading investigators to not respond.
According to the SIU, a third 911 call from the residence reported that the woman was found dead. Subsequently, Thunder Bay police officers responded, discovering the deceased woman. The SIU has assigned two investigators, one forensic investigator, and one subject officer to the case.
The family of the victim, represented by Vincent Ostberg, the woman’s father, expressed dissatisfaction with both the SIU and Thunder Bay Police investigations. Vincent Ostberg mentioned that the family is seeking support from First Nations associations, including Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Windigo First Nations Council, and Bearskin Lake First Nation.
Vincent Ostberg emphasized the need to address institutional racism and criticized the lack of police response and sensitivity concerning Indigenous women and girls in a social media post. Jenna Ostberg was described as an influential individual, known for expressing her unique style on various social media platforms.
According to her parents, Jenna graduated from high school at 17 and took a gap year before enrolling in the council access program at Confederation College, completing it with a scholarship for future studies. Her father spoke highly of her, mentioning her cultural activities such as oil painting, singing in Cree, and square dancing. The family is awaiting the return of Jenna’s remains from the Ontario coroner and is planning burial services for the upcoming week.
